Chef and hospitality consultant

CRAIG’S ROYAL HOTEL

CRAIG’S ROYAL HOTEL HAS RECRUITED IAN CURLEY AS PART OF A PLAN TO PUT BALLARAT ON THE WIDER CULINARY MAP r

Ian will work closely with head chef, Shannon Easton to develop a menu of continental inspired dishes that champion locally-sourced, seasonal produce where possible.

“It’s not my restaurant so you won’t find me in the kitchen every day,” says Curley.

“My role is to act as a mentor to Shannon and his team and help them deliver a first-class experience throughout. We’re not aiming to deliver fine-dining, we’re aiming to deliver an appealing and sophisticated selection of produce driven, well-executed dishes at every-day dining prices.”

Craig’s Royal Hotel Managing Director John Finning says he is confident Curley’s involvement will push the venue’s food offering up a notch, attracting new diners while leading the rapidly improving good food culture developing in the Ballarat region.

“Craig’s has a strong reputation within Ballarat as one of the city’s better food and wine venues but we’re at the stage where we’d like to see that reputation established further afield. I’m confident with Ian’s involvement we can achieve that. Craig’s is a grand experience of magnificent Victorian architecture with great value packages including dinners, High Teas, accommodation and special events,” he says.

The more casual Craig’s Café and Larder will also receive a revamp under Curley’s watch.